"Raw Solutions is the debut full-length by Slava, exploring the darker, denser corners of Chicago house and footwork in an ever-broadening context. True to his cross-cultural identity, Slava's production doesn't fit neatly into a categorical genre. Rather, it surveys many and, Zelig-like, borrows freely from them. Slava dissects elements of pop, R&B, hip-hop, vogue house, British bass, and ambient and refocuses them in almost sculptural form for the live experience. The development of Raw Solutions was greatly informed by Slava's performance. Often recorded in single takes directly from a Korg Electribe ESX, the album compositions were crafted from bare machine essentials with few audio effects or sound-design. Slava's command of the mix powers Raw Solutions along a more refined and visceral arc than his previous recorded work. The vocal sample has become a signature element in Slava's carefully constructed balance. The thick and sticky sonic material of the samples contrasts the lean tone of mix element. The space surrounding Slava's skeletal programming becomes muscular with foraged sounds. Over the course of Raw Solutions, the samples dissolve into the production, naturalizing the contrasting presence. Raw Solutions rarely drifts though. The mix remains meticulously assembled -- each part perfectly puzzled-pieced. Mercury's penchant for intricate vocal choreography may have left as deep a stamp on Slava's psyche as his charisma." Gatefold sleeve; includes download code; numbered edition of 1000.

"Slava (b. Slava Balasanov) is a recording and visual artist currently residing in Brooklyn, NY. Born in Moscow, he spent his formative years in Chicago where he co-founded Moment Sound Recordings. His music has been released on labels such as Mathematics Recordings, Future Times, !K7 and Coral Records Internazionale. Software Recording Co. is proud to present the Soft Control EP, which finds Slava in an exploratory mode whose common thread is techno energy adroitly concealed within a stark matrix of interloping, chrome-dipped footwork themes. Slava's mutated future take on glossy Todd Edwards/Akufen-style uptown club motifs hits home with us. A pointedly darker left turn with more cruise and ooze, Soft Control meditates on the phrases [I Had] and [I've Got Feelings Too], in a style that we lovingly refer to at Software HQ as 'club anthema.' Not to mention the curveball track 'Swan' that morphs layered, perforated harp into weird contemplation tunnels. Self-hypnotize." Limited edition. High-quality virgin vinyl. Includes download code.